reACT! Tobacco Free Rodeo in Malta on September 7th

Malta will be hosting the Fall District I High School Rodeo on Sunday, September 7th, at the Milk River Pavillion. The reACT Tobacco Free Rodeo Campaign will be there too. The Campaign aims to get tobacco out of our rodeos and honors rodeo athletes who pledge to live tobacco-free.

It all started in 2008, and thanks to the diligent work of the Montana High School Rodeo Association, Montana is the 1st in the nation to have a Tobacco-Free Rodeo, proving that they have taken a stand and spoken out about tobacco having no place in our rodeos.

Every year students from all across Montana sign a Tobacco-Free Rodeo Pledge and “Pledge to Wear Red” dedicating themselves to live a healthier life by remaining free of Tobacco. Prizes are awarded for 1st place in each event to the contestant who accumulates the most points in the Fall and Spring Series Rodeos.

Tobacco Prevention Specialists in each County work with reACT to be a part of the reACT Tobacco-Free Rodeo Series. “We are excited that Malta gets to host the District One High School Rodeo this year,” stated local reACT Crew Advisor, Sonia Young. “Stop by and visit with members of the Malta High School reACT crew, at the reACT Tobacco Free Rodeo Pledge Booth, and sign up to win some cool reACT gear.”

In the past six years, 18 scholarships have been awarded to Montana high school seniors attending an accredited institution of higher learning. Over $34,000 has been given to active rodeo seniors who will pursue the sport in college. Twenty-two Tobacco Free Rodeo Series students have won breast collars, while eleven have won saddle pads. reACT ends the season at the state finals, with a BBQ, fun activities, awards and 4 scholarships to senior rodeo athletes who signed the pledge to remain tobacco-free.